Why does lochia turn yellow after delivery?

It is normal for mothers to have lochia within a short period of time after giving birth. During the period of lochia discharge, there are many risks, such as vaginal inflammation, so measures should be taken to prevent infection. In severe cases, antibiotics should be taken to prevent infection. In short, you must pay special attention to personal hygiene and closely observe the changes in lochia. If the lochia turns yellow after delivery, you should be alert to the following problems.

Why does lochia turn yellow after delivery?

Postpartum lochia is a normal physiological phenomenon, and usually the lochia will be discharged automatically. The color of lochia is a way to judge the physical condition of the mother. So if the lochia turns yellow, is it normal? Now let’s go and take a look together.

Is it normal for lochia to turn yellow?

Postpartum lochia usually lasts about 42 days, and its color changes from red to yellow to white, and the amount gradually decreases. It is recommended to go to the hospital's gynecology department for examination to see the recovery of the uterus. You can take appropriate anti-inflammatory and blood-activating drugs for treatment. Pay attention to keeping your abdomen warm and avoid eating spicy foods. Pay attention to hygiene and try not to have sex for the time being.

Postpartum lochia color changes

Lochia is red: In the first week after delivery, the amount of lochia will be relatively large and the color is bright red. This is because the lochia contains a large amount of blood, sometimes with small blood clots, accompanied by a small amount of fetal membrane and necrotic decidual tissue. This is called bloody lochia. The amount of bloody lochia is more than menstruation and lasts for 3-4 days. For some women, it will last for a week, and the amount of uterine bleeding will gradually decrease after a week.

Postpartum lochia turns light red

Seven days after delivery, the amount of uterine bleeding will gradually decrease, the serous fluid will increase, and it will turn into serous lochia. After one week to half a month, the serous lochia contains mostly necrotic decidua, cervical mucus, vaginal secretions and bacteria, which turns the lochia into a light red serous fluid. Serous lochia lasts for about ten days, the serous fluid gradually decreases, and the white blood cell count increases.

Postpartum lochia turns white

Half a month to three weeks after delivery, the lochia no longer contains blood, but contains a large number of white blood cells, degenerated decidua, epidermal cells and bacteria, making the lochia viscous and relatively white in color, so it is called white lochia. White lochia is sticky and white or light yellow in color. It usually lasts for three weeks.